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Council approves rezoning for conversion of an office tower to housing in the Medical Center
Summary
The council approved amendments and a rezoning to allow conversion of a mostly vacant office building on Datapoint Drive in the Medical Center to residential use, with conditions limiting height and buffering near existing condominiums.
The San Antonio City Council voted to approve amendments to the Medical Center Area Regional Center plan and a rezoning to MXD for two parcels at 8401 and 8415 Datapoint Drive, allowing residential conversion and a maximum density of 60 units per acre.
Ashley Fairmont of Killen Griffin and Fairmont, representing the property owner, told the council the buildings were constructed in 1980 and one is nearly vacant. She described the proposal as repurposing an existing office tower into housing to serve the medical center, including nurses and medical students. Fairmont said the applicant negotiated conditions with District 8 staff to limit future development on the site, including a 150-foot buffer where structures could not exceed two-and-a-half stories and tree-planting conditions along Datapoint.
Resident Jack Finger spoke in opposition, arguing the requested density would be "twice as many units" as surrounding areas and urging council members to reject the request. Supporters, including district representatives, said the conversion would add needed housing near medical employers and that the owner negotiated density and design limits.
Council members moved and voted to approve items 24 and 25 after a brief discussion; Mayor Nirenberg announced the motion carried.
Staff had noted mixed recommendations: the Planning and Zoning Commission recommended approval while staff listed denial with an alternate recommendation. Notices mailed numbered 239, with two in favor and six opposed as reported in the staff summary.
